This unit plan for Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water is designed to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary issues surrounding water scarcity, conflict, and resilience. This plan incorporates diverse learning activities catering to various learning styles, ensuring engagement and knowledge retention.
Unit Overview:
Grade Level: Adaptable for grades 5-8 (adjustments suggested within specific activities)
Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks (depending on activity depth and student engagement)
Essential Questions:
- How do individual experiences shape our understanding of larger historical and social issues?
- What are the challenges and triumphs of overcoming adversity?
- How does access to clean water impact communities and individuals?
- What is the significance of perseverance and hope in the face of hardship?
- How can we contribute to solutions for global water scarcity?
Unit Objectives:
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Understand the historical context of the Second Sudanese Civil War.
- Analyze the contrasting experiences of Salva Dut and Nya.
- Identify themes of survival, resilience, and hope within the novel.
- Evaluate the impact of water scarcity on individuals and communities.
- Develop empathy and critical thinking skills through discussion and analysis.
- Create persuasive presentations or written arguments supporting solutions to water scarcity.
Unit Activities:
Week 1: Introduction & Background Knowledge
- Activity 1: Pre-Reading Discussion: Begin by discussing water: its importance, access, and potential scarcity. Show images or videos depicting different water sources and situations (clean water vs. contaminated water, abundance vs. scarcity). Discuss potential consequences of water scarcity.
- Activity 2: Map Skills & Geography: Introduce Sudan's location using maps. Discuss the geography relevant to the novel – its diverse landscapes and potential challenges to water access.
- Activity 3: Historical Context: Introduce the Second Sudanese Civil War using age-appropriate resources. Focus on the conflict's causes and effects, particularly on civilian populations.
Week 2-3: Reading & Character Analysis
- Activity 4: Chapter-by-Chapter Reading & Discussion: Divide the novel into manageable sections for reading. Conduct regular class discussions focusing on character development, plot progression, and thematic elements.
- Activity 5: Character Comparisons: Compare and contrast Salva and Nya's journeys, experiences, and challenges. Create Venn diagrams or T-charts to highlight similarities and differences.
- Activity 6: Journaling: Encourage students to keep a reading journal, responding to specific prompts focusing on emotional responses, character analysis, and thematic observations.
Week 4: Thematic Exploration & Deeper Dive
- Activity 7: Theme-Based Group Work: Divide students into groups, assigning each group a central theme (e.g., resilience, hope, survival, friendship, war). Have them analyze specific passages, providing textual evidence to support their analysis.
- Activity 8: Research & Presentation: Assign students or groups to research specific aspects related to water scarcity, such as waterborne diseases, water conservation techniques, or organizations addressing global water issues. These research findings should culminate in presentations.
Week 5-6: Culminating Project & Reflection
- Activity 9: Creative Project: Students choose a creative project showcasing their understanding of the novel and its themes. Options include:
- Writing a persuasive essay arguing for solutions to global water scarcity.
- Creating a multimedia presentation focusing on the challenges and triumphs of Salva and Nya.
- Designing a public service announcement addressing water conservation.
- Writing a fictional continuation of either Salva or Nya's story.
- Activity 10: Unit Reflection: Students reflect on their learning journey through the unit. What were their biggest takeaways? How did this unit impact their understanding of global issues? What questions remain unanswered?
Assessment:
Assessment will be based on:
- Class participation in discussions.
- Completion of reading journal entries.
- Group work contributions and presentations.
- Quality and depth of the culminating creative project.
- Unit reflection essay.
This unit plan provides a framework for a rich and engaging exploration of A Long Walk to Water. Remember to adapt activities and assessment based on your students' specific needs and learning styles. The focus should remain on fostering empathy, promoting critical thinking, and inspiring action towards solving global challenges.
